Chadwick/First Civilizations, 3. The Early Dynastic period

Picking up from the previous chapter dealing with the origins and ramifications of the agricultural 'revolution', this chapter looks closely at activity in the southern end of the Tigris-Euphrates valley at around 3100 BC and explores the Sumerians who have become identified with this region. Topics discussed: - the city-state - the early dynastic periods - ruling families - the 'great flood' - urban development in the north - the Elamites - Sumerian archaeology - The royal tombs of Ur - musical instruments - the Standard of Ur - ideas about death and the afterlife (eschatology).